I remember being a blue belt and feeling like I hit a wall. One Sunday open mat, everything that usually “worked” suddenly failed me. Training partners I’d normally have no trouble with were tapping me out repeatedly, and I drove home questioning why I even showed up. That drive was a turning point: instead of quitting, I tweaked how I approached my training, and the results changed everything.
After nearly 25 years on the mats, I can tell you for sure that plateaus are part of the journey. They test your patience and shake your confidence. But they also offer an opportunity to adjust, grow, and come back stronger. Below are four strategies I wish I’d known as a beginner, tips that have kept me motivated whenever I’ve felt stuck. Hopefully they’ll help you, too, whether you train here at Advantage Jiu Jitsu or anywhere else.
1. Check Your Ego at the Door
Some days you’ll dominate; other days, you’ll feel like a punching bag. Accepting both is key. When you focus on “winning” every roll, it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go your way. Instead:
- Treat each session like an experiment rather than a contest.
- Focus on a single skill or concept to work on, instead of worrying about the scoreboard.
- Approach rolling with curiosity—play around with new grips or transitions without pressure.
If you can let go of needing to win every exchange and concentrate on learning, you’ll find yourself improving faster and enjoying the process more.
2. Shake Up Your Game
It’s natural to stick with what feels safe—if you’re a guard-player, you pull guard; if you’re a heavy top player, you stay there. But plateaus often come when you rely on the same patterns too much. To break out:
- If you usually pass from top, spend some weeks drilling guard retention and sweeps.
- If you’re comfortable on the bottom, drill takedowns or standing entries instead of pulling guard.
- Try a position you haven’t trained much—maybe butterfly guard or leg locks, even if they intimidate you.
You don’t need to reinvent your style overnight, but regularly dipping your toes into unfamiliar territory keeps training fresh and builds a more well-rounded game.
3. Lean on Your Team
One accountability partner or a group of training buddies can make a world of difference. I’ve been in plenty of stretches where I wanted to skip class. Having someone who checks in—texts you before class or drills with you—helps me show up even when I don’t feel like it. A supportive group can also:
- Push you to try techniques you’d normally avoid.
- Celebrate small victories when you finally land that sweep or submission.
- Keep the atmosphere positive so you actually look forward to training.
Keep in mind: if you want great training partners, be one yourself. Encourage others when they’re frustrated, share tips, and celebrate their progress. A gym culture built on mutual support keeps everyone motivated.
4. Make Private Lessons a Priority
Yes, I know I’m an instructor, but private lessons really are one of the fastest ways to break through a plateau. In a 1-on-1 setting, you get:
- Detailed feedback on the nuances of your movement and posture.
- Adjustments tailored to your body type, flexibility, and learning style.
- The chance to drill a few techniques deeply without the distractions of a busy class.
Even a single private lesson every month can uncover holes in your game you didn’t know were there. If you feel like you’ve stalled, book a session —pinpointing the small technical tweaks often reignites progress. DM us to book one.
Moving Forward
Plateaus are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. Your coaches here at Advantage Jiu Jitsu have navigated the same ups and downs: we’re here to help you identify what’s holding you back and guide you toward the next breakthrough.
If you’re feeling stuck:
- Chat with your instructors—sometimes a quick conversation is all it takes to adjust your approach.
- Schedule a private lesson to zero in on the details that will unlock your next level.
- Experiment with different positions in class or partner up with someone who pushes you.
- Keep your mindset playful—remember why you started training in the first place.
Above all, be patient and consistent. Progress in Jiu-Jitsu isn’t always linear, but with the right adjustments, you’ll find yourself rolling past that plateau before you know it.
See you on the mats!
—Coach Brock
P.S. If you’re in a rut, reach out. Whether you need a quick tip, a new drill, or a private session, we’re on your side. Let’s get you back to feeling excited about Jiu-Jitsu again.
Get in touch with us, today!
If you’re in a rut, or you just want to try something new – come try out a class, we’d love to have you! Check out our what to expect page, and contact us to book you in!
